The Patience To Wait for the Vision

May 2nd, 2011 by Dave Leave a reply »

Though it tarries, wait for it . . . —Habakkuk 2:3

Patience is not the same as indifference; patience conveys the idea of someone who is tremendously strong and able to withstand all assaults. Having the vision of God is the source of patience because it gives us God’s true and proper inspiration. Moses endured, not because of his devotion to his principles of what was right, nor because of his sense of duty to God, but because he had a vision of God. “. . . he endured as seeing Him who is invisible” (Hebrews 11:27). A person who has the vision of God is not devoted to a cause or to any particular issue— he is devoted to God Himself. You always know when the vision is of God because of the inspiration that comes with it. Things come to you with greatness and add vitality to your life because everything is energized by God. He may give you a time spiritually, with no word from Himself at all, just as His Son experienced during His time of temptation in the wilderness. When God does that, simply endure, and the power to endure will be there because you see God.

“Though it tarries, wait for it . . . .” The proof that we have the vision is that we are reaching out for more than we have already grasped. It is a bad thing to be satisfied spiritually. The psalmist said, “What shall I render to the Lord . . . ? I will take up the cup of salvation . . .” (Psalm 116:12-13). We are apt to look for satisfaction within ourselves and say, “Now I’ve got it! Now I am completely sanctified. Now I can endure.” Instantly we are on the road to ruin. Our reach must exceed our grasp. Paul said, “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on . . .” (Philippians 3:12). If we have only what we have experienced, we have nothing. But if we have the inspiration of the vision of God, we have more than we can experience. Beware of the danger of spiritual relaxation.

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May 2, 2011

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Lord, sometimes I just don’t get it. It seems to me that the vision Chambers speaks about is very close to being one of those spiritual “highs” he has cautioned us about. I am convinced and my experience  demonstrates that that when (and if) I see the spiritual vision you have for me, I am committed, energized and focused; just as You would have me. Based on my experience, and your word, I would be foolish to take action without the vision from You.

And God says…”That is exactly the point about waiting. Why would you take off on a mission or work in your life, without the spiritual vision? You already know that all your work is “unto the Lord”. You know that when you wait on Me I will make you strong and raise you up with wings of eagles. Why would you embark on any venture without My vision and the inspiration that accompanies it? The issue is simply- what to do while you are waiting….and the lyrics to the song resonate; 


I’m waiting on You, Lord 
Though it is painful 
But patiently, I will wait 

I will move ahead, bold and confident 
Taking every step in obedience 
While I’m waiting 
I will serve You 
While I’m waiting 
I will worship 
While I’m waiting 
I will not faint 
I’ll be running the race 
Even while I wait

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May 2 2011 Journal DJR
Good morning, Lord,
Vision is a word that is popular these days but I think we dont see it and use it with the quality and intensity that you intended. Otherwise we wouldn’t be so swayed and give up on our visions so quickly. I recently heard of Nelson Mandella’s description of his vision of freedom in his 27th year of captivity … it was a stronger vision of freedom than that of his captors, who were free to go home every evening, but returned to prison every morning.

I’m waiting 
I’m waiting on You, Lord 
And I am peaceful 
I’m waiting on You, Lord 
Though it’s not easy 
But faithfully, I will wait 
Yes, I will wait 
I will serve You while I’m waiting 
I will worship while I’m waiting 
I will serve You while I’m waiting 
I will worship while I’m waiting 
I will serve you while I’m waiting 
I will worship while I’m waiting on You, Lord

There is human vision and there is vision from Me. But that isn’t the point. Even human vision can be grasped strongly or held lightly. A lightly held vision won’t last through adversity.

What do we do to learn to grasp it tighter?

When you know it is from me, it helps. But that is not enough. If you know it is from me and it is for you and you know that you are committed 100%, live or die … then the vision will have pulling power. When you know it is for you and you are like the three Hebrew children in the fiery furnace … our God will rescue us, but if he doesn’t, we still wont bow down to you…

I’m concerned about substituting plain old bull headedness for this level of commitment to the vision … not on purpose but just confusing the two. Like the guy in the flood who you sent a boat and a helicopter before he drowned … sure that he had a vision of you rescuing him than was different than the one you really chose.

Yes, human stubbornness and commitment to a previous vision can cloud the new vision. Commitment to the status quo and the way things used to be and are expected to stay will prevent people from seeing and grasping my new works.

So staying curious and connected is still the key?

You said it.

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